77 people died in an explosion on an oil tanker in Suleja, Nigeria

In Nigeria, 77 people who were rushing to collect fuel were killed when an explosive device exploded in a fuel tanker, the country’s authorities announced.

The tanker overturned and spilled its contents in the Suleja area of ​​North Central Niger state on Saturday.

Shortly after people started collecting fuel, it exploded, killing dozens of people and injuring 25 others, including hunters, officials said.

Oil tanker explosions and accidents are common in the country – often caused by poor roads and poorly maintained vehicles.

The Emergency Management Agency announced that those injured in Saturday’s blast are being treated at nearby hospitals.

Nigeria has seen several similar incidents in recent months.

Two weeks ago, an oil tanker exploded in the oil-rich Delta state, killing at least five people. At least 153 people In October, he died in an explosion while trying to collect leaking gasoline.

Oil prices have risen more than 400% in the past 18 months following bold economic policies by Nigerian President Bola Tinuyi, including the removal of long-standing fuel subsidies.

The changes have left millions of people impoverished, with many forced to resort to desperate measures to survive.

The government says the policy is aimed at strengthening the economy.